This is the first year that RPCVHI will participate in the Kaneohe Christmas Parade; it is another "third goal opportunity" to let Hawaiians know that Peace Corps is still alive and sending volunteers overseas.

RPCVHI would like to have at least 10 RPCVs join the group and march along the parade route.  RPCVs should wear Red or Green Peace Corps shirts and wear Santa Hats. One RPCV will get to drive our "float/car".  The "float/car" will be decorated with the words "PEACE" on both sides of the car, holiday garlands around our Peace Corps banners, and world flags. RPCVs who march in the parade can hand out small candy canes.

We will also be accompanied by 4 bagpipers playing Christmas carols as we march along.

The parade starts PROMPTLY at 9 am on Saturday, December 5. End time is dependent on the amount of participants. Plan for an end time of around 11 am at Castle High School. Streets will open as the end of the parade passes.

What is the parade route?

From Windward Mall / Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center to Castle High School. The bulk of the parade travels along Kamehameha Hwy but does include some portions of Haiku Rd at the start and Kaneohe Bay Drive at the end.

• Marchers start from Kaneohe Bay shopping center-Safeway

• Vehicles will be on the Windward Mall side of Kamehameha Hwy along Haiku Rd and Alaloa for longer vehicles

• Groups merge at starting point

• HPD to start closing off streets at 8:35 to 8:40 am 

• Use all four lanes of Kam Hwy going south (toward Windward City Shopping Center)

• At the fire station (Waikalua/Paleka Rd), groups MUST merge into two lanes and continue heading south in the southbound Kamehameha Hwy lanes

• At St Mark’s Church and School, groups MUST cross over to the northbound lanes of Kamehameha Hwy continuing in a southerly direction

• Turn left onto Kaneohe Bay Drive

• Continue on until the first driveway of Castle High School

When do streets shut down?

Street closures along Kamehameha Hwy begin at 8:30 am. Certain streets remain open throughout the parade so people can get around the parade:

• Haiku Rd

• Kamehameha Hwy north bound from Pua Inia to Waikalua Rd.

• Kaneohe Bay Dr from Puohala

Where can I park my car?

Long time parade spectators will often park at the local shopping centers and businesses whose lots are open. They also parallel park along surface streets.

What will the weather be like?

This is Windward Oahu so be prepared for anything! The Kaneohe Christmas Parade is a rain or shine event. It is chilly in the morning and warms up nicely through the day so layer up. A rain jacket and umbrella are good things to have along with dark glasses, a hat and sunscreen.

Where are the announcer stations?

This year we have five announcer stations along the route with some stellar emcees TBA to keep you informed of who is coming down the street:

• Windward Mall (fronting Macy's) 

• American Savings Bank (at Kahuhipa St) - 

• Fresh Catch (at Keaahala Rd) - 

• Koolau Family Dentistry (across St. Mark's) -

• Windward City Shopping Center